131The Books of Samuel

The two books of Samuel, actually one book in the earliest Hebrew Bible, provide an indispensable link in the history of God’s people and salvation history. In these books we learn of the transformation of the idolatrous and disorganized nation to a consolidated and unified monarchy. The history covers the period from the close of the period of Judges to the end of David’s reign. But more than a narrative of historical facts, these books contain a carefully edited and organized presentation of the nation’s spiritual fortunes in their relationship to the God of hosts, the real key to what was happening. In keeping with the inspiration of Samuel, we also receive a foretaste of the future reign of the Lord over all the nations of the world through Israel, when ruled by David’s greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.